Deuteric

/djuːˈtɛrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or involving deuterium, a heavy form of hydrogen that has one neutron in addition to its proton.

Etymology

From deuterium, which comes from Greek 'deuteros' meaning 'second,' because it was the second isotope of hydrogen discovered. The suffix '-ic' makes it an adjective describing something related to or composed of deuterium.

Kelly Says

Deuterium is sometimes called 'heavy hydrogen' and it's so much heavier than regular hydrogen that it actually changes how molecules behave—plants struggle to grow in heavy water because it disrupts their chemistry at the atomic level!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.